NEWS OF THE WEEK
The Supreme Court took up its first major abortion case in almost a decade. The justices appeared sharply divided on whether a 2013 Texas law imposing strict requirements on abortion providers should be allowed to stand. The law requires that … More
One of the highest ranking officials at the Vatican has admitted that he failed to report suspected child sex abuse to authorities. Cardinal George Pell, a top advisor to Pope Francis, made the confession while testifying to an Australian government … More
A grand jury in Pennsylvania has found that over four decades 50 religious leaders, including priests and teachers, molested hundreds of children in a rural diocese. The grand jury found that superiors who knew of the abuse, including two bishops, … More
Pope Francis has opened a medical clinic for the homeless. The clinic sits next to the shower stalls and barber shop Francis had already opened for the poor in St. Peter’s Square. Services at the clinic will be free. In … More
As various presidential candidates vie for the votes of evangelical Christians, some Christian leaders have begun to distance themselves from the word “evangelical.” They argue political pundits tracking votes this election season have failed to capture the true spirit of … More
The Bahai faith, which preaches the unity of all people, began in Persia, now Iran, in the 19th century. There are approximately 5 million Bahais around the world. They prepare spiritually for their new year with a 19-day fast (March … More
The winner of this year’s Templeton Prize for his work respecting all faiths is 67-year-old British rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. One of Sacks’s greatest interests has been the need for both religion and science. I interviewed him last year: Lord … More
Religious groups have mixed reactions to President Obama’s new plan to close the controversial U.S. military detention center in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The plan calls for the remaining 91 detainees to be transferred to other countries or to a maximum … More
Pope Francis called on Catholic leaders to stop executions during this year that he has proclaimed a Holy Year of Mercy. The pope also said the death penalty should be permanently abolished. He said the commandment “you shall not kill” … More
Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders this week said he believes Pope Francis is a socialist just as he is. In an interview on a Catholic television program, Sanders praised the pope’s statements on wealth and economic inequality, but admitted they disagree … More
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